Sleeve for an Article of Clothing

ABSTRACT

An article of clothing having a body of fabric disposed to cover at least some of a torso of a user where the body of fabric defining an arm hole. The sleeve has a first sleeve end attached to the arm hole and a second sleeve end defining a sleeve opening. The article also includes a strap connected to the sleeve proximate the second sleeve end, wherein the strap is configured to be engaged by a digit of the user to reduce the sleeve opening.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/511,176 titled “A Sleeve for an Article of Clothing” andfiled on 25 May 2017, which application is herein incorporated byreference for all that it discloses.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to clothing. More particularly,the disclosure relates to a cuff construction for use with coats,jackets, long sleeve shirts, and articles of clothing that includesleeves that extend down the user's arm.

BACKGROUND

Various known methods of adjusting a cuff of a sleeve use fasteners,such as buttons and hook and loop fasteners. Making adjustments to suchcuffs requires two hands and may be difficult while wearing gloves ormittens. In addition, such buttons and hook and loop fasteners addweight to the apparel and may require heavier fabrics to be used in thegarment to support the weight of the fasteners.

Cuffs may also include elastomeric materials integrated into a cuff toprovide a seal against the user and maintain the sleeve in place duringuse. Alternatively, known long sleeved running apparel also may includea thumb hole near a nonadjustable cuff through which a user can extendtheir thumb to help keep their garments in place.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the disclosure, an article of clothing has a body offabric disposed to cover at least some of a torso of a user where thebody of fabric defines an arm hole. The sleeve has a first sleeve endattached to the arm hole and a second sleeve end defining a sleeveopening. The article also includes a strap connected to the sleeveproximate the second sleeve end, wherein the strap is disposed to beengaged by a digit of the user to reduce the sleeve opening.

When the strap is not engaged by the digit, the strap may not preventthe sleeve opening from returning to its fully open state.

The sleeve may have an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein thestrap may be partially exposed on the inner surface of the sleeve to beengaged by the digit of the user.

The strap may have a loop of material extending around the sleeveopening.

The strap may have a first strap end attached to the sleeve and a secondstrap end attached to the sleeve.

The strap may be partially contained within a cuff formed at the secondsleeve end.

The article may include an exposed portion of the strap wherein theexposed portion is disposed between 0.5 inches and 5 inches from thebottom of the sleeve.

The article may include an exposed portion of the strap where theexposed portion of the strap is disposed between 1.5 inches and 2.5inches from the bottom of the sleeve.

The article may include an exposed portion of the strap where theexposed portion of the strap is disposed between 2.5 inches and 7.5inches from the bottom of the sleeve.

The article may include an exposed portion of the strap where theexposed portion of the strap is disposed between 3 inches and 5 inchesfrom the bottom of the sleeve.

The strap may extend within a cuff of the sleeve and exit the cuffthrough a first reinforced orifice and re-enter a second reinforcedorifice to provide an exposed portion of the strap to be engaged by thedigit of the user.

The exposed portion of the strap may be disposed on an inner surface ofthe sleeve.

The exposed portion of the strap may be disposed on an outer surface ofthe sleeve.

The strap may include two exposed portions separated by an approximatelyone-eighth inch section of the sleeve.

In some cases, the strap may not be adjusted by hardware.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an article of clothing to be worn by auser may include a sleeve having a sleeve end defining a sleeve opening.The sleeve may include a first layer, a second layer, and a cavitydefined between the first layer and the second layer. A portion of thecavity proximate the sleeve opening may be confined by a firstcircumferential seam and a second circumferential seam aligned with andspaced apart from the first circumferential seam, a confined portion ofa strap disposed within the portion of the cavity, and an exposedportion of the strap being exposed. The exposed portion of the strap isengagable by a digit of the user to reduce the sleeve opening when thesleeve is worn over an arm of the user and the digit is connected to thearm.

The article may include a first strap portion connected to the sleeveinside the portion of the cavity.

The article may include a second strap portion connected to the sleeveinside the portion of the cavity.

The strap may be a loop of material extending around a circumference ofthe sleeve.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an article of clothing to be worn by auser may include a body of fabric disposed to cover at least some of atorso of a user, the body of fabric defining an arm hole and a sleevehaving a first sleeve end attached to the arm hole and a second sleeveend defining a sleeve opening. The sleeve may include a first layer, asecond layer, a cavity defined between the first layer and the secondlayer, a portion of the cavity proximate the sleeve opening can beconfined by a first circumferential seam and a second circumferentialseam aligned with and spaced apart from the first circumferential seam,a confined portion of a strap disposed within the portion of the cavity,and an exposed portion of the strap being exposed. The exposed portionof the strap is engagable by a digit of the user to reduce the sleeveopening when the sleeve is worn over an arm of the user and the digit isconnected to the arm. The strap may be a loop of material extendingaround a circumference of the sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an example of fabric that is part of an article ofclothing in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts an example of fabric that is part of an article ofclothing in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts an example of an article of clothing in accordance withaspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts an example of an article of clothing in accordance withaspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 8 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 9 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 10 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 11 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 12 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 13 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 14 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 15 depicts an example of a strap in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 16 depicts an example of a strap in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 17 depicts an example of a strap in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 18 depicts an example of a strap in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 19 depicts an example of a user engaging with a strap in accordancewith aspects of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “aligned” means parallel,substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than 35.0 degrees.For purposes of this disclosure, the term “transverse” meansperpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or forming an angle between55.0 and 125.0 degrees. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term“length” means the longest dimension of an object. Also, for purposes ofthis disclosure, the term “width” means the dimension of an object fromside to side. Often, the width of an object is transverse the object'slength. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “bottom of the sleeve”refers to the azimuthal portion of the sleeve that is closest to thefabric that covers the torso. In other words, the term “bottom of thesleeve” covers the underside portion of the arm. In conventional longsleeve shirts, a seam is often located at the bottom of the sleeve alongthe sleeve's length from the arm hole to the sleeve's opening at thesleeve's second end. In some examples, the term “bottom of the sleeve”may generally refer to the portions of the sleeve that hangs lowest whenthe user outstretches his or her arm while wearing the long sleeveshirt. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term cuff generallyrefers to an end part of a sleeve where the material of the sleeve isturned back or a separate band is sewn onto the sleeve.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an example of an article 1 of clothing. FIG. 1depicts a front view, and FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the article 1.In these examples, the article of clothing includes an arm hole 2, aneck hole 50, and a torso hole 51. In these examples, the sleeves of thearticles are not shown for illustrative purposes. Any appropriate typeof article of clothing may be used. The article 1 may include anyvariety of buttons, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, or other closuredevices that facilitate a user putting the article 1 on or taking thearticle 1 off the user's body.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict an example of the article 1 with sleeves 3attached. A first sleeve end 4 may be attached to the arm hole 2 of thearticle 1. The sleeve 3 may include a second sleeve end 5 terminating inan opening 6 that is opposite the first sleeve end 4. When worn by auser, the sleeve 3 may include fabric that circumscribes at least aportion of a user's arm. The sleeve 3 may be selectively removable fromthe article 1 or may be fixed to the article 1. In some examples, thesleeve 3 may be worn independently of the article 1. For example, thesleeve 3 may be worn cycling for additional warmth on descents andremoved for slower ascents.

FIG. 5 depicts a second end 5 of the sleeve 3 that is opposite the endof the sleeve that attaches to the arm hole 2. The fabric of the sleeve3 may define an opening 6 at the second end 5. In this example, thebottom 15 of the sleeve, which may correspond to the underside of thearm, is depicted. The fabric of the sleeve 3 may be any appropriatefabric, either elastic or inelastic. For example, the fabric may includeor be cotton, polyester, wool, vinyl, any waterproof fabric, anybreathable fabric, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 6 depicts an example of the sleeve 3 with a cuff 13 attached to thesecond end 5 of the sleeve. In this example, the cuff 13 is attached tothe sleeve 3. The cuff 13 may include a first layer in a second layer. Astrap 7 may be at least partially disposed within a cavity definedbetween the first and the second layers. In some examples, the strap 7is made of an elastic material. The exposed portion of the strap 7 mayexit and enter the cavity through reinforced openings defined in thecuff. In the example of FIG. 6, the exposed portion of the strap 7 islocated on the inner surface 9 of the sleeve.

FIG. 7 depicts an example of a cuff 13 attached to the sleeve 3. In thisexample, the exposed portion of the strap 7 is located on an outsidesurface 8 of the cuff 13. In this example, the strap 7 is a continuousloop 10. In some examples, the strap 7 is made of or includes an elasticmaterial. In other examples, the strap 7 is made of or includes aninelastic material. While FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a strap 7exposed on an inner surface 9 and FIG. 7 illustrates an example of astrap 7 exposed on an outer surface 8, it should be understood that someexamples of a strap 7 may be partially exposed on the inner surface 9and partially exposed on an outer surface 8.

FIG. 8 depicts an example of a cuff 13 attached to the sleeve 3. In thisexample, the strap forms a continuous loop 10, wherein the exposedportion of the strap 7 resides on an inner surface 9 of the sleeve. Thestrap 7 may be unanchored to the cuff 13, such that the strap 7 mayslide and/or rotate circumferentially within the cuff 13 without pullingon the fabric of the cuff 13. In other examples, the strap 7 may be acontinuous loop that is anchored at least at one location to the cuff,such that the strap 7 does not slide circumferentially within the cuff13.

FIG. 9 depicts an example of a bottom of a cuff 13 attached to thesleeve 3 including a strap 7 that is exposed on the inner surface 9. Inthis example, the strap 7 has a first strap end 11 and a second strapend 12. In this example, the first and second strap ends 11, 12 are onthe opposite side of the sleeve 3 from the exposed portion of the strap7 on the inside surface 9 of the sleeve 3. The first strap end 11 andsecond strap end 12 are separated by a small gap located along thesleeve's circumference. While this example depicts the gap with acertain size, the first strap end 11 and the second strap end 12 may bespaced apart at any appropriate distance. In some cases, the first strapend 11 and/or the second strap end 12 are sewn into the material of thecuff 13 and/or the fabric of the sleeve 3.

FIG. 10 depicts an example of the sleeve 3 with two exposed portions ofthe strap 7. In this example, the expose portions of the strap 7 areseparated by approximately a ⅛ inch section 21. While this exampledepicts the section 21 as being a certain size, the two exposed portionsof the strap 7 may be spaced apart at any appropriate distance. In somecases, at least one of the exposed portions includes an end that is sewndirectly into the sleeve 3. In one example, at least one end of theexposed portion of the strap 7 is also an end of the strap 7. In otherexamples where the strap 7 has more than one expose portion, the strap 7may be a continuous loop.

FIGS. 11-14 depict examples of a sleeve 3 with an exposed portion of thestrap 7 located at different distances from the bottom 15 of the sleeve3. FIG. 11 depicts an example of an exposed portion of the strap 7 thatis a distance 19 of 2.5 inches to 7.5 inches away from the bottom 15 ofthe sleeve 3. FIG. 12 depicts an example of an exposed portion of thestrap 7 that is a distance 20 of 3.0 to 5.0 inches away from the bottom15 of the sleeve 3. FIG. 13 depicts an example of an exposed portion ofthe strap 7 that is a distance 14 of 0.5 inches to 5.0 inches away fromthe bottom 15 of the sleeve 3. FIG. 14 depicts an example of an exposedportion of the strap 7 that is a distance 16 of 1.5 inches to 2.5 inchesaway from the bottom 15 of the sleeve 3.

FIGS. 15-18 depict examples of orifice openings where the strap 7 entersand exits the cavity. FIG. 15 depicts a first orifice opening 17 and asecond orifice opening 18 reinforced with stitching. FIG. 16 depicts afirst orifice opening 17 and a second orifice opening 18 reinforced withgrommets. FIG. 17 depicts a first orifice opening 17 and a secondorifice opening 18 reinforced with seams. FIG. 18 depicts a firstorifice opening 17 and a second orifice opening 18 formed with laser cutopenings.

FIG. 19 is a top view of a sleeve 3 and a user's hand 22 extending fromthe sleeve when the user's arm is positioned in the sleeve 3outstretched from the user's body. The bottom 15 of the sleeve 3 isillustrated oriented toward a thumb of the user's hand 22. The hand 22is positioned through the cuff 13 of the sleeve 3 with a digit 23engaging the strap 7. While the digit 23 illustrated in FIG. 19 is thethumb of the hand 22, other digits of the hand 22 may be used to engagethe strap 7. A forward motion of the user's hand 22 relative to the cuff13 may apply a force 24 to tension the strap 7 and/or urge at least aportion of the strap 7 from a cavity defined by the cuff 13 and reducinga circumference of the cuff 13 to constrict around the user's hand 22and/or arm.

The strap 7 may remain engaged with the digit 23 using use of the jacketor during an activity to maintain the tension on the strap 7.Maintaining the tension on the strap 7 may keep the cuff 13 fitted tothe user's hand 22 and/or arm. Additionally, the cuff 13 may include acord lock, pinch clasp, clip, clamp, or other locking mechanism that maymaintain tension on the strap 7 upon a user disengaging the strap 7 withthe digit 23.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

In general, the invention disclosed herein may provide users with asleeve that can be closed with a single hand while the user is wearingthe sleeve. Other types of cuffs may be adjustable with two hands orrequire the user to use hardware to keep the opening of the sleeveclosed. Often, these conventional sleeves are difficult to close withouttaking off gloves or mittens. In contrast, the principles describedherein allow the user to shrink the opening of the sleeve while wearingthe article of clothing with the sleeve by using either at least onefinger, a thumb, or combinations thereof to engage a strap incorporatedinto the sleeve. This engagement can cause the sleeve's opening toshrink by at least some amount. The sleeve's opening that shrinks istriggered or actuated by the finger, thumb, or other type of digitattached to the arm that is covered by the sleeve.

For example, a runner may desire to shrink the size of the opening ofhis or her right-hand sleeve. The user may or may not be wearing glovesor mittens. However, if the user is wearing gloves or mittens, the userdoes not need to remove them to cause the sleeve opening to close. Theuser may simply use his or her right hand to cause at least one fingeror thumb to engage the strap that causes the closure/shrinkage. Thismotion may be seamless, quick, and inconspicuously done without pause ortermination of the activity being performed by the runner.

In some examples, the mechanism that allows for the sleeve opening'sshrinkage includes a strap that is a continuous looped cuff that isadjustable and secured with the user's finger or thumb while the user iswearing the article of clothing. The user may insert his or her fingeror thumb into the exposed portion of the continuous loop and pull. Theresults of pulling on the strap may cause the cuff to tighten. In somecases, while the finger is engaged with the strap, the opening of thesleeve may remain closed. In some examples, a locking mechanism, such asa cord lock, pinch clasp, clip, clamp, or other locking mechanism, maybe incorporated into the mechanism to cause the sleeve opening size toremain locked in a closed condition regardless of whether the user'sfinger or thumb remains engaged with the strap. In such examples, thelocking mechanism may be releasable with a single hand, allowing singlehand operation for both tensioning and release of the strap in the cuff.In at least one example, a strap may be tensioned by a thumb of theuser, locked by a spring-loaded cord lock, and the tension may bereleased by a compression of the cord lock between the thumb and anotherfinger of the user's hand.

In other cases, the continuous loop is made with a cord and sewn withinthe cavity defined by the layers of the cuff. At one portion of thecavity, the loop is exposed, allowing a finger or thumb to be insertedinto the loop to pull and adjust cuff's tension. In some cases, theexposed loop stays around the finger/thumb to secure desired tension forthe entire duration that the user desires for the cuff to remain tightlyfitted to the user's wrist, hand, and/or forearm.

In one example, the sleeve includes a cuff that includes at least twolayers of fabric. The first layer and second layer of fabric may be partof a single piece of fabric that is folded back on itself. In otherexamples, the first and second layers include two distinct pieces offabric. The first and second layers of fabric may be positionedproximate one another to define a cavity. The layers may be maintainedin their location relative to one another by at least one seam. In somecases, a plurality of seams is used to create a portion of the cavitythat is suitable for holding the strap. As used herein, the term “seam”should be interpreted broadly as including any stitching, welding,adhesive material or tape, bonding, or any other similar finish thatconnects or attaches at least two layers together. In some examples, afirst seam between the first and second layers that follows thecircumference of the sleeve defines a first portion of a cavity. Asecond seam between the first and second layers that follows thecircumference of the sleeve and is aligned with the first seam maydefine a second portion of a cavity. While this example has beendescribed with reference to a portion of the cavity being defined by afirst and second seam that retain the strap, any appropriate number ofseams may be used to define a portion of the cavity. In some examples,no seams are used to define a portion of the cavity that retains atleast a portion of the strap. In another example, a single seam is usedto define a portion of the cavity where the layer of fabric is foldedback on itself for retaining the strap.

The strap may reside in the portion of the cavity that is defined by thefirst and second seams. In some cases, the strap is a continuous loop.In other cases, the strap has a first and a second strap end. In thoseexamples where the strap includes a first and second end, the first andsecond ends may be secured to the cavity, the fabric of the sleeve, orotherwise anchored within the cavity such that a force applied to thestrap may move at least a portion of the cavity, the fabric of thesleeve, or other material or object to which the strap is anchored.

While these examples have been described with the strap being securedwithin a cavity formed by a cuff with multiple layers of fabric, anyappropriate mechanism for retaining the strap may be used. For example,the strap may be secured to the sleeve where just a single layer ofmaterial exists. In one such example, the single layer of material mayinclude multiple slits that are spaced about the circumference of thesleeve, and the strap may be interwoven through the slits for retentionin the sleeve. In other examples, the strap may be positioned betweenthe single later of material and a plurality of retention devices, suchas a series of loops material, staples, cleats, or other connectionpoints positioned on the cuff.

In some cases, the strap with ends overlaps a majority of thecircumference of the sleeve. In other examples, the strap with endscovers at least 80 percent of the circumference of the sleeves. In otherexamples, the strap with ends covers at least 70 percent of thecircumference of the sleeves. In other examples, the strap with endscovers at least 60 percent of the circumference of the sleeves. In yetother examples, the strap with ends covers at least 50 percent of thecircumference of the sleeves. In other examples, the strap with endscovers at least 40 percent of the circumference of the sleeves. In otherexamples, the strap with ends covers at least 30 percent of thecircumference of the sleeves. In other examples, the strap with endscovers at least 20 percent of the circumference of the sleeves.

In some cases, the exposed portion of the strap may be positioned on aportion of the circumference of the cuff. For example, the exposedportion of the strap may cover at least 5 percent of the circumferenceof the cuff. In other examples, the exposed portion of the strap maycover at least 10 percent of the circumference of the cuff. In yet otherexamples, the exposed portion of the strap may cover at least 15 percentof the circumference of the cuff. In further examples, the exposedportion of the strap may cover at least 20 percent of the circumferenceof the cuff. In yet further examples, the exposed portion of the strapmay cover at least 25 percent of the circumference of the cuff. In stillfurther examples, the exposed portion of the strap may cover at least 30percent of the circumference of the cuff. In even further examples, theexposed portion of the strap may cover at least 35 percent of thecircumference of the cuff.

In cuffs with a plurality of exposed portions of the strap, a totalexposed portion of the strap may be positioned on a portion of thecircumference of the cuff. For example, the total exposed portion of thestrap may cover at least 5 percent of the circumference of the cuff. Inother examples, the total exposed portion of the strap may cover atleast 10 percent of the circumference of the cuff. In yet otherexamples, the total exposed portion of the strap may cover at least 15percent of the circumference of the cuff. In further examples, the totalexposed portion of the strap may cover at least 20 percent of thecircumference of the cuff. In yet further examples, the total exposedportion of the strap may cover at least 25 percent of the circumferenceof the cuff. In still further examples, the total exposed portion of thestrap may cover at least 30 percent of the circumference of the cuff. Ineven further examples, the total exposed portion of the strap may coverat least 35 percent of the circumference of the cuff.

For those examples where the strap includes first and second ends, thestrap may be anchored within the cavity or to the sleeve with anyappropriate mechanism. In some examples, the first strap end, the secondstrap end, a mid-portion of the strap, or another location along thestrap may be secured to the sleeve with a seam, a button, a hook, amagnet, an adhesive, a clasp, a rod, a pin, a clip, a knot, another typeof fastener, or combinations thereof.

The strap may include at least one portion that is exposed to the user.In some cases, the exposed portion of the strap resides outside of thecavity. The openings that allow the strap to transition between theoutside of the cavity and the inside of the cavity may be reinforcedwith any appropriate mechanism to prevent these openings from tearing orto otherwise strengthen the openings. In some examples, these openingsare reinforced with button holes, rivets, laser cut exits, grommets, adeposited material, a low friction material, additional stitching,another type of reinforcement mechanism, or combinations thereof.

The strap may be made of any appropriate type of material. For example,a non-exhaustive list of materials of which the strap may be madeinclude an elastic material, nylon, polyethylene, polyester, plastic,cord, rope, chain, cotton, yarn, wire, fishing line, other types ofmaterials, or combinations thereof. The strap may also include anyappropriate type of thickness or length. For example, the strap may besubstantially flat, such as a ribbon of material. In other examples, thestrap may be substantially round in cross-section, such as a textilecord. In yet other examples, the strap may have another cross-sectionalshape. In some embodiments, the length of the strap may be approximatelythe circumference of the cuff. In other embodiments, the length of thestrap may be multiples of the circumference of the cuff such that thestrap is looped around the circumference of the cuff multiple times. Inyet other embodiments, the length of the strap may be longer than amultiple of the circumference of the cuff to allow an exposed portion ofthe strap to extend outward from the cuff, easing engagement with thestrap for a user's digit.

In some examples, the strap is exposed on the inside of the sleeve. Inthis example, the user may slightly retract his or her hand into thesleeve to where the user's finger, thumb, or other type of digit cancatch the exposed portion of the strap. When engaged, the user may movehis or her hand out of the sleeve. As the hand moves out of the sleeve,tension is applied to the exposed portion of the strap and the engagedportion of the strap moves with the hand. As the exposed portion moveswith the hand, forces are applied throughout the length of the strapthat causes the strap to apply an inward closing force around thesleeve's opening. Thus, the sleeve opening shrinks at least partially inresponse to the movement of the exposed portion of the strap. As theopening shrinks, the sleeve's fabric proximate the strap may close inaround the user's hand, wrist, forearm, or other location on the user.

In some cases, an exposed portion of the strap is located on the outsideof the sleeve. In these types of examples, the user may retract his orher hand slightly and use at least one of his or her fingers or thumb toreach for the exposed portion of the strap on the sleeve's outside. Whenengaged, the user may move his or her hand forward, thereby pulling onthe exposed portion of the strap. As the engaged portion of the strapmoves forward with the hand, the rest of the strap moves, causing thesleeve's opening to draw in around the user's hand, wrist, forearm, orother location on the user.

The exposed portion of the strap may be positioned at any approximatelocation around the sleeve. In some examples, the exposed portion of thestrap is located at the bottom of the sleeve. In other examples, theexposed portion of the strap is located within 6.0 inches from thebottom of the sleeve. In some cases, the exposed portion of the strap islocated within 5.0 inches from the bottom of the sleeve. In some cases,the exposed portion of the strap is located within 4.0 inches from thebottom of the sleeve. In some cases, the exposed portion of the strap islocated within 3.0 inches from the bottom of the sleeve. In some cases,the exposed portion of the strap is located within 2.0 inches from thebottom of the sleeve. In some cases, the exposed portion of the strap islocated within 1.0 inches from the bottom of the sleeve. In some cases,the exposed portion of the strap is located within 0.5 inches from thebottom of the sleeve. In some cases, the exposed portion of the strap islocated on the opposite side of the sleeve from the bottom of thesleeve. The location of the strap's exposed portion may determine whichof the user's thumb or fingers are most convenient for engaging with thestrap's exposed portion. For example, in some cases where the exposedportion is near the bottom of the sleeve, the user's thumb may be themost convenient digit to engage the exposed portion. In other exampleswhere the exposed portion is located farther way from the bottom of thesleeve, one of the user's fingers may be more convenient to engage withthe exposed portion.

Also, the exposed strap may be located at any appropriate distance fromthe sleeve's opening. For example, the exposed portion of the strap maybe located within 6.0 inches from the sleeve's opening. For example, theexposed portion of the strap may be located within 5.0 inches from thesleeve's opening. For example, the exposed portion of the strap may belocated within 4.0 inches from the sleeve's opening. For example, theexposed portion of the strap may be located within 3.0 inches from thesleeve's opening. For example, the exposed portion of the strap may belocated within 2.0 inches from the sleeve's opening. For example, theexposed portion of the strap may be located within 1.0 inches from thesleeve's opening. For example, the exposed portion of the strap may belocated within 0.5 inches from the sleeve's opening. The distance thatthe strap is located from the sleeve's opening may determine which partof the user that the strap closes in around when the exposed portion ofthe strap is pulled. In those examples where the strap is located within0.5 inches from the sleeve's opening, the strap may pull in around theuser's hand when the exposed portion is pulled. In examples where thestrap is located farther away from the sleeve's opening, the strap mayclose in around the user's wrist and/or the user's forearm.

In some cases, the distance that the exposed portion of the strap islocated away from the sleeve's opening is different than the distancethat the rest of the strap is located from the sleeve's opening. In somecases, the cavity retaining the strap guides a portion of the strapforward towards the sleeve's opening while a remainder of the strap islocated farther back. In some of these types of examples, a seam thatdefines a portion of the cavity retaining the strap may create at leastone bend that causes a portion of the strap to bend so that the exposedportion can be located at a different distance from the sleeve's openingthan another portion of the strap.

In some cases, the strap may include a first portion that aligns withthe circumference of the sleeve and a second portion that is alignedwith the length of the sleeve. The second, axial portion of the strapmay be connected to the first, circumferential portion of the strap. Inthis example, the second portion may include an end that is exposed andhas a loop that can be engaged by a user's digits.

In these examples where the strap's exposed portion is located at adifferent distance from the sleeve's opening than another portion of theloop, the user can engage the sleeve at a location convenient for theuser, but the sleeve may draw in around the user at a different distanceaway from the sleeve's opening. This may allow the user to control theclosure of the sleeve around his or her forearm with the control of theuser's thumb.

In some cases, the strap includes more than one exposed portion. In someexamples, at least one finger or thumb may be intended to engage each ofthe exposed portions when pulling the sleeve in. In some cases, the userhas to just engage one of the exposed portions to pull the sleeve in. Insome cases, an exposed portion of the strap is long enough that morethan one of the user's fingers or thumb can engage just the singleexposed portion of the strap.

The sleeve may be part of any appropriate type of article of clothing. Anon-exhaustive list of types of clothing articles suitable for theprinciples described herein may include long sleeve shirts, sportjackets, insulated coat, types of articles of clothing, or combinationsthereof.

In some cases, the strap may be located in an inner layer of the sleeveor right next to the user's arm. In such an example, the inner layer maybe sewn into the inside of the sleeve at any appropriate location alongthe sleeve's length or otherwise attached to the inner layer. This strapmay be threaded through a hem or laced through holes, which may be linedwith eyelets. The outer layers of the sleeve may include an insulationlayer and/or a weather proof layer. In such examples, the inner mostlayer may be incorporated into the sleeve to support the strap. Theorifices through which the strap enters and exists the cavity may beexposed on the inside of the sleeve and/or up against the user's skin.In some cases, as the strap is tightened around the user's arm, theinner layer of the sleeve moves inward around the arm, while the outerlayers remain substantially unmoved from their position when the strapis not closed in. In some examples, the movement of the inner layercauses the outer layers to move inward as well.

In some cases, the strap may be removable from the space between thelayers of the sleeve holding the strap in place. In other examples, thestrap may be sewn to or otherwise connected to at least one of thelayers defining the space in which the strap is located. In some cases,the strap is sewn in a single location, such as the strap's mid-point orat another location. In other cases, the strap may be attached atmultiple locations.

The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the artto make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosurewill be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the genericprinciples defined herein may be applied to other variations withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is notlimited to the examples described herein, but is to be accorded thebroadest scope consistent with the principles and novel featuresdisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of clothing to be worn by a user, thearticle comprising: a body of fabric disposed to cover at least some ofa torso of a user, the body of fabric defining an arm hole; a sleevehaving a first sleeve end attached to the arm hole and a second sleeveend defining a sleeve opening; and a strap connected to the sleeveproximate the second sleeve end, wherein the strap is configured to beengaged by a digit of the user to reduce the sleeve opening.
 2. Thearticle of claim 1, wherein the strap does not prevent the sleeveopening from returning to its fully open state when the strap is notengaged by the digit.
 3. The article of claim 1, wherein the sleeve hasan outer surface and an inner surface; wherein the strap is partiallyexposed on the inner surface of the sleeve.
 4. The article of claim 1,wherein the strap is a loop of material extending around the sleeveopening.
 5. The article of claim 1, wherein the strap has a first strapend attached to the sleeve and a second strap end attached to thesleeve.
 6. The article of claim 1, wherein the strap is partiallycontained within a cuff formed at the second sleeve end.
 7. The articleof claim 1, further comprising: an exposed portion of the strap; whereinthe exposed portion is disposed between 0.5 inches and 5 inches from thebottom of the sleeve.
 8. The article of claim 1, further comprising: anexposed portion of the strap; wherein the exposed portion of the strapis disposed between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches from the bottom of thesleeve.
 9. The article of claim 1, further comprising: an exposedportion of the strap; wherein the exposed portion of the strap isdisposed between 2.5 inches and 7.5 inches from the bottom of thesleeve.
 10. The article of claim 1, further comprising: an exposedportion of the strap; wherein the exposed portion of the strap isdisposed between 3 inches and 5 inches from the bottom of the sleeve.11. The article of claim 1, wherein the strap extends within a cuff ofthe sleeve and exits the cuff through a first reinforced orifice andre-enters the cuff through a second reinforced orifice to provide anexposed portion of the strap to be engaged by the digit of the user. 12.The article of claim 11, wherein the exposed portion of the strap isdisposed on an inner surface of the sleeve.
 13. The article of claim 11,wherein the exposed portion of the strap is disposed on an outer surfaceof the sleeve.
 14. The article of claim 1, wherein the strap includestwo exposed portions separated by an eighth inch section of the sleeve.15. The article of claim 1, wherein the strap is not adjusted byhardware.
 16. An article of clothing to be worn by a user, the articlecomprising: a sleeve having a sleeve end defining a sleeve opening; thesleeve including: a first layer; a second layer; a cavity definedbetween the first layer and the second layer; a portion of the cavityproximate the sleeve opening being confined by a first circumferentialseam and a second circumferential seam aligned with and spaced apartfrom the first circumferential seam; a confined portion of a strapdisposed within the portion of the cavity; an exposed portion of thestrap being exposed; wherein the exposed portion of the strap isengagable by a digit of the user to reduce the sleeve opening when thesleeve is worn over an arm of the user and the digit is connected to thearm.
 17. The article of claim 16, further including a first strapportion connected to the sleeve inside the portion of the cavity. 18.The article of claim 17, further including a second strap portionconnected to the sleeve inside the portion of the cavity.
 19. Thearticle of claim 16, wherein the strap is a loop of material extendingaround a circumference of the sleeve.
 20. An article of clothing to beworn by a user, the article comprising: a body of fabric disposed tocover at least some of a torso of a user, the body of fabric defining anarm hole; a sleeve having a first sleeve end attached to the arm holeand a second sleeve end defining a sleeve opening; the sleeve including:a first layer; a second layer; a cavity defined between the first layerand the second layer; a portion of the cavity proximate the sleeveopening being confined by a first circumferential seam and a secondcircumferential seam aligned with and spaced apart from the firstcircumferential seam; a confined portion of a strap disposed within theportion of the cavity; and an exposed portion of the strap beingexposed; wherein the exposed portion of the strap is engagable by adigit of the user to reduce the sleeve opening when the sleeve is wornover an arm of the user and the digit is connected to the arm; whereinthe strap is a loop of material extending around a circumference of thesleeve.